Menstrie Castle, dating from the late 16th and early 17th centuries,
was the country home of a very famous family, the Alexanders,
one of whom became the first Earl of Stirling and founder of
Nova Scotia. He was born here in 1572. The known origin of the
Alexander family is most interesting, they were chiefs of the
Clan Allister, and came from Kintyre with the Earl of Argyll
who took up residence at Castle Campbell not far away, settling
down at Menstrie around 1481. In a few generations they had
become prosperous and powerful in Stirling and vicinity. a son
of William, first Earl of Stirling, was Sir Anthony Alexander
who became Master of Works for Scotland and Royal Surveyor,
and eventually Warden of the Master Tradesmen of Scotland.

If
you would like to visit this area as part of a highly personalized
small group tour of my native Scotland please e-mail me: